The El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid is one of the biggest matches of the football calendar, and the first explosive encounter gets underway at Camp Nou this Saturday.

All eyes will be on the two players deemed the greatest in the world at this present time - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but focus will also be on summer signings Neymar and Gareth Bale, who moved to Barca and Madrid respectively for hefty fees.

Despite Bale's highly anticipated arrival at the Bernabeu following his £85m switch from Tottenham Hotspur, the Welshman has had an inconsistent start to his career in Spain due to injury.

The 24-year-old made an appearance from the substitutes' bench in Madrid's 2-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, but is unlikely to start in this weekend's clash due to lack of match fitness.

While plenty of focus will be on the players, this is the first El Clasico for Barca boss Gerardo Martino and Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has led his side to third in the league table after nine fixtures.

Barcelona remain La Liga leaders with an unbeaten record and 28 goals to their name so far, while their arch-rivals have lost once in their campaign so far.

Madrid secured last season's El Clasico 2-1 on home turf, as well as clinching a 3-1 victory at Camp Nou.